Newport Students Host Greek Mythology Exhibit At Marble House

Move over Michelangelo!

A Thompson Middle School art class held a Greek mythology art exhibit Thursday on the patio of Newport’s Marble House. Fifth graders Avery Whitaker, Nathalie Sibya, and Lucy Botelho discussed how they carved into sheetrock to form the sculptural reliefs they created along with viewing their fellow artists work from Mrs. Sheehan’s art classes at Thompson Middle School.

Art teachers, Steve Schreiner, Diane Sheehan and Nicole Icart embraced the opportunity to engage students with the educational experience offered by the Preservation Society of Newport County and the enhancement of educating youth in cultural visual arts.

Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society, and envisioned Marble House as her "temple to the arts" in America. The students toured the Marble House prior to the art show using the field trip as inspiration for their art projects. From Greek Gods and Goddesses, to the design and materials of this grand mansion, these students worked a number of art processes with sheetrock, metal foil, armature sculpting, drawing, reliefs and intaglios.